Gordon College, through the Jerusalem University College (JUC) and University of the Holy Land (UHL), offers a unique summer experience in the history and geography of the Bible. At JUC, students experience an intensive three-week on-site four credit course that introduces the geography, history and archeology of Israel. Through UHL, students may participate in an additional two-week (two credit) program that focuses on the land of Jordan. Both courses involve study of the physical features of the lands of the Bible, stressing geographical factors affecting settlement and communication in various regions. Relevant archaeological, historical and biblical material is correlated with sites, roads and features in each region.

LOCATION

ISRAEL: The JUC campus is only a brief walk from the Old City of Jerusalem, the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and countless other significant locations. On campus, students will attend preparatory lectures designed to integrate assignments with field study. Regional studies are 1–4 day field trips and constitute the main body of the program. Special studies and walks in Jerusalem emphasize important aspects of the city in biblical and modern times.

Regions studied include:

Galilee

The Golan Heights

The Coastal Plain

The Shephelah and Hill Country

The Negev

The Jordan and Jezreel Valleys

JORDAN: The Jordan program is centered in Amman with field studies in both the northern and southern parts of the country. Petra, along with an experience with the Bedouin, is the highlight of the southern excursion. A minimum of 10 students is necessary in order for this program to be offered.

SECURITY: JUC has been operating for over 50 years and knows when to avoid certain areas and circumstances. Your time is highly structured to provide protection at all times. Travel about the country is on busses operated by a private tour company. You will never use public transportation. However, travel to Israel always poses some enhanced danger. In case of emergency, officials for both Gordon College and JUC will have operational contingency plans for evacuation of students.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Students are housed in a small and gracious hotel just inside the Old City. While on field trips, accommodations are in small two-star hotels or kibbutzim. Travel about the country is on air-conditioned buses.

CURRICULUM

May - June: Participants will take an intensive three-week international seminar through JUC on the geography, history, and archeology of Israel, BCM291: Geographical and Historical Settings of the Bible.

June : Participants who wish to will participate in the additional two-week course BCM291A: Historical Geography of Jordan that focuses on the land of Jordan as well as BCM291: Israel International Seminar in Geographical and Historical Settings of the Bible above.

Assignments based on materials furnished by JUC will be completed prior to arrival in Israel. This work provides the necessary biblical background and regional introduction to study in Israel. Students will spend 15-20 hours on this work.

The Pre-Israel Assignments will be supplemented by two preparatory sessions on Gordon's campus at times to be scheduled during the final two weeks of the spring semester. These are separate sessions from the scheduled lectures for the Global Understanding course.
The content of lectures and field study in Israel will serve as the basis for five brief examinations and student journaling.

Required Pre-Departure Classes:January 24: First meeting of all accepted/interested students. Bring passports.January 25: Deadline for submission of all application materials.February – March: Map preparation and study sessions.Weeks of April 25 and May 2: Two on-campus lectures (specific dates and times will be set at the February 11 meeting).

**Attendance is required.

COST

The total cost is approximtely $4,900 for the Israel Seminar or $7,200 with the Jordan Extension. This includes:

Tuition

Airfare (roundtrip from Boston to Israel)

Ground transportation (within Israel)

Meals

Accommodations

Transport and site fees

*NOTE: Costs may be affected by a major change in bulk airfare rates to Israel.

APPLICATION

Students from a variety of majors are invited to apply to this first-hand exploration of the Holy Land. By DECEMBER 1, 2015, students must:

Gordon College is one of the nation's premier Christian colleges and located just north of Boston. We offer students extraordinary access to leading-edge opportunities for intellectual, professional, and leadership development to address the increasingly complex challenges of a global society. Gordon stands apart from other outstanding institutions in New England by combining an exceptional education with an informed Christian faith.